London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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In addition one case was dealt with during the year under the Labelling of Food Order, 1953. Details are as follows :—
| Date | Offence | Magistrate's Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 8.10.56 | Selling food contrary to the provisions of Article 7(1) (a) Part IV of the Labelling of Food Order, 1953, namely a tin of processed peas at 98, Essex Road. | Absolute discharge. Defendant to pay £2 2s. Od. costs. |
Unsound Food. The total amount of. food condemned during the year was :— 30 tons, 0 cwts., 2 qrs., 27 lbs., 4 ozs. details of which are given in the following table :—
| Description | Tons | Cwts. | Qtrs. | Lbs. | Oza |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tinned Goods . | 18 | 13 | 1 | 18 | 8 |
| Fish | — | 9 | 1 | 20 | — |
| *Meat | 8 | 15 | 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Othera | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Total | 30 | — | 2 | 27 | 4 |
* Includes 7 tons 13 cwts. 0 qrs. 7 J lbs., Harrison, Barber & Co. Ltd.
The number of condemnation certificates issued was 1,182.
Most of the above food was condemned upon request by the respective owners,
but on seven occasions it was necessary for the Inspector to seize food and remove
it in order to have it dealt with as provided for by Section 9 of the Food and Drugs
Act, 1955. Details of the result of subsequent legal action taken appear on
page 51.
Condemned food received from traders is taken to the Council's refuse disposal
depot at Ashburton Grove awaiting conveyance, under supervision, to the refuse
tip. Small quantities of food which may be the subject of complaint by householders
are surrendered to the Inspector, who ensures that there is no possibility of use for
human consumption.
Foods such as cereals are disposed of for animal feeding, under supervision, and
if the food is conveyed to another borough, the Medical Officer of Health for that
borough is informed accordingly in order that he may arrange for the supervision
of its ultimate disposal. Where possible, all other condemned food is dyed in order
to make it impossible for it to be re-sold or used for human consumption. Condemned
meat is used for animal feeding or industrial purposes.
Sampling.
During the year 477 food samples, including milk, were submitted to the Public
Analyst for examination. Of these 149 were Formal and 328 Informal samples.
Adverse reports were received in respect of 39 samples (8.17%) as shown in the
following summary, most of them being in respect of food concerning which
complaints had been received.